Paul passed away peacefully at home in a hospice bed at the age of 96. Beloved husband of Martha, loving father of son Ken and daughter Joan (Richard), caring grandfather of Matt Tod (Dana), Kevin Tod (Lauren), and Austin Strifler, proud great grandfather of Caroline and Avery Tod. Paul will be dearly missed by many of his siblings, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Paul was so responsible and dedicated, even at an early age. During eighth grade he worked to take care of his mother and 4 siblings when his father passed away. Paul was self-taught. There was not anything he could not build or fix. Paul was immensely proud of his time in the United States Marines. After that, he went into business with his brother, Richard. The business evolved, becoming ‘Strifler Custom Kitchens’ on Gravois Road. They never advertised. The business supported 2 families for 30 years on recommendations and ‘word of mouth’. Paul enjoyed his retirement spending weekends in Cuba, Missouri at his Indian Hills lake house. Paul had a most fulfilling life and earned the title “Mr. Wonderful.”
SERVICES: Funeral from Kutis Affton Chapel (10151 Gravois Road Affton, Missouri 63123) Monday, August 3, 9:45 a.m. to Seven Holy Founders Catholic Church for 10:00 a.m. Mass. Interment Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions to St. Vincent DePaul Society or Mercy Hospice appreciated. Visitation Sunday 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.
My father could repair almost anything and was always willing to help anyone in need.
Thank you, Ken.
I was lucky enough to meet Mr. Strifler a couple times. I have been friends with his son Ken for over 45 years. I was invited to stay at their lakehouse one weekend and the Strifler’s could not have been nicer hosts. A wonderful family. My deepest condonces to all.
Thank you, Charles – you brought back a wonderful memory!
The Schwartz family is so grateful that Paul was in our lives. He was so generous with his time and talents. He was such a good friend-especially to our dad, John Schwartz. We have vivid memories of Paul’s multiple rescues. He was a wonderful person. We are sending prayers for Martha and all of the Strifler’s that you always hold wonderful memories in this time of loss.
Thank you, Deb.
Uncle Paul I have so many fantastic memories from you taking me on a mini motorcycle at the lake, to you and Aunt Martha teaching me to ski, you helping me with my lawn business, to all the family gatherings over the summers and holidays (including all the Santa Help!!) to the example you and my dad set for me with family. I am happy you’re at peace, as you will be deeply missed.
Love Rick Strifler
Thank you, Rick
I remember how generous uncle Paul was. For example, as a teenager with zero money and car trouble, Paul let me take it to his mechanic and put it on his tab.
Also, when I was building a fireplace in our home, Paul offered to cut the hole in the roof,
because there was no way I could do it. There are many more examples but no more room to list them
Thank you, Mike
I had the opportunity to care for Paul and hearing stories about his life & what a wonderful man he was makes me feel very fortunate & thankful I got to meet & care for him. Paul fought very hard & every day I was there you could see the love between him & Martha. The two of them are wonderful people. I hope one day my spouse takes such great care of me the way Martha did for Paul. I’m so sorry for your guys’ loss & happy I got to be apart of your guys’ story. ❤️
Thank you, Autumn
I first met Paul and Martha through playing bridge. Then I again came across them down at St. Vincent‘s. They were very dedicated to their parish their family and helping others. It was amazing all the things they did at seven. Holy founders and the St. Vincent de Paul Society. They had such a close and loving relationship. I’ve never been able to think of one without the other. I am glad I had the opportunity to get to know them and be at their house many times playing cards. Patsy Conte.
Thank you, Patsy – we had wonderful times together.
I can honestly day that Uncle Paul is my favorite uncle. Although living far away we had little time visiting in person (had some phone calls, too) but I always enjoyed thoroughly time spent with Paul & Martha.
I loved hearing his stories of growing up and what life was like back then. He actually helped to know my dad (his younger brother Joe) better because my dad didn’t talk much about his childhood and parents. Paul was able to fill in some gaps for me.
Thank-you, Jerry – Paul loved telling you stories about growing up in St. Louis.
I have such fond memories of Paul when he would visit his sister, my Aunt Eleanor and My Uncle George… and then when we would gather at my house with his sisters and their husbands and brother with their wives and reminiscing about the good old days…
my deepest sympathies to you, Martha and your family. Barb Litschgi
Thank you so much, Barb.
Paul worked so very hard all his life and there was nothing he could not do.
Thank you for taking care of your siblings at such a young age and beyond.
Growing up Paul was always there for us. And later on Rich and I valued his wisdom and frindship.
A special thank you to Martha for taking such wonderful, wonderful care of him until is last breath.
Paul will always be in our hearts, rest in peace
Thank- you, Marge – Paul enjoyed spending time with you and Rich: the
Bar-B-ques, the volleyball, and especially the dominoes!
Paul and Martha were the best neighbors anyone could have! Paul could fix anything! Whenever we needed anything repaired, all we had to do was go outside, face his house, look pathetic, and soon enough Paul would come outside and ask what did we need. He knew our look! Paul and Martha were also happy to engage anytime in a good, long (12 down to 0!) game of Dominos.
We loved the Strifler’s dearly and miss them.
The John Schwartz Family
Thank you so much, Mark.
I enjoyed playing bridge with Paul. He was a wonderful, kind person. I know how devoted Martha has been to him and he to her. What a loving couple.
Thank you, Lin.
Thanks Martha for letting me know of Paul`s death. Your call brought back so many memories of our New Year’s Eve get togethers. Paul and Jack had a special relationship for so many years. Paul will be greatly missed.
Liz Sandler
Thank you, Liz.